Area leaders rally for pedestrian and cyclist safety at unveiling of Alexandria's Holland Lane streetscape restoration

The Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) and the City of Alexandria today gathered community leaders, law enforcement, and traffic safety advocates for the unveiling of a newly restored streetscape on Holland Lane and a high-visibility enforcement activation aimed at protecting pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers on the region's roads.

In 2025, 292 people were killed on Washington-area roads, including 94 pedestrians and cyclists. While that marks a decline from 2024, the toll underscores an urgent reality: as warmer weather and longer days draw more foot and bike traffic, the risk of fatal crashes climbs.

The event is part of COG's long-running Street Smart campaign, which educates drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists on safe roadway practices across the District of Columbia, suburban Maryland, and Northern Virginia. The campaign supports the region's Vision Zero goal of eliminating all traffic deaths.

"The metropolitan Washington region is at its best when we lead together, and there is no issue more deserving of that collective leadership than keeping people safe on our roads," said Clark Mercer, COG Executive Director. "Holland Lane is proof that thoughtful design saves lives. Combined with enforcement and education through the Street Smart campaign, this is the kind of comprehensive, coordinated approach our residents expect and deserve."

The Holland Lane restoration project features a redesigned streetscape showcasing safety-forward infrastructure intended to reduce conflicts between vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists. The unveiling served as a tangible example of the region's commitment to investing in life-saving roadway design.

Alexandria Police conducted a live high-visibility enforcement activation during the event, including a motorcycle police crosswalk operation demonstrating how law enforcement targets dangerous driving behaviors in real time. Attendees also experienced a traffic safety virtual reality simulation and viewed a testimonial wall featuring messages from crash survivors and victims' families, putting a human face on the region's traffic violence crisis.

"Traffic safety is a shared responsibility, and every decision made behind the wheel, on a bicycle, scooter, or in a crosswalk can impact lives," said Assistant Chief Mike May, Commander of the Alexandria Police Department's Community Support Bureau. "While pedestrian and bicycle crashes are down year to date in Alexandria, one fatality is still one too many. Through high-visibility enforcement, community education, and safer roadway design, we are working collaboratively to reduce serious crashes and ensure everyone can travel safely throughout our city."

A recording of the event is available here.

Click here for street safety b-roll. For more information about the Street Smart campaign, visit bestreetsmart.net.